Smokey Burgess
9-time MLB All-Star and Legendary Pinch-Hitter · Baseball - MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates / Cincinnati Reds / Chicago White Sox
Era
Retirement era (likely 1970s - 1980s)
Item Type
Signed Baseball
Condition
Good to Very Good. The signature remains bold and legible with minimal fading. The ball shows some slight yellowing/toning consistent with age, but no major scuffing or water damage.
Rarity
Moderate. While Burgess was a consistent signer during his life, he passed away in 1991, meaning the available market supply is fixed.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic-appearing example of a respected MLB veteran. It is a classic 'affordable' vintage signature that adds depth to a 1950s/60s era baseball collection.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic based on consistent letter form and flow. Confidence: 90%
Signature Style
The signature is stylized and compact. It features a prominent S-curve on the 'S' and an 'ey' tail that blends into the 'Burgess'. It is a typical 'short' version of his signature common on baseballs.
Signature Characteristics
Slanted slightly to the right. The 'S' and 'B' are often integrated into a continuous flow. The ending of the name often tapers off into a sharp horizontal stroke.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker on a white synthetic or leather-cover baseball. The ink shows slight absorption into the grain typical of mid-era markers.
Item Description
Individual signed baseball, likely a souvenir or official league ball, housed in a plastic 'clamshell' display cube. The ball appears to be a standard size 9-inch baseball.
Estimated Value
$30 - $60 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
This matches widely accepted exemplars from Burgess's post-career signing sessions, particularly the way the 'm' and 'o' are compressed in the first name.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive looped 'S' that often drops below the baseline and the jagged, saw-tooth peaks of the 'Burgess' segment. Authentic examples exhibit a quick, rhythmic flow without hesitation marks.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. Basic authentication would cost approximately $20-$25.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink aging and pen pressure are consistent with an authentic 20th-century retired player signature.
Provenance Notes
No paperwork visible. Value would be enhanced by a certificate from a major authenticator or documentation of a specific signing show.
Historical Context
Forrest 'Smokey' Burgess was renowned as one of the greatest pinch-hitters in baseball history and was a vital member of the 1960 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates.
Market Trends
Stable. Collectors of the 1960 World Series Pirates or pinch-hitting specialists represent the primary collectors. Prices have remained flat over the last decade.
Investment Potential
Low. This is a nostalgic piece for Pirates fans or specialized baseball collectors rather than a high-growth financial investment.
Similar Autographs
Bill Mazeroski, Roberto Clemente (teammates), or other prolific pinch-hitters like Manny Mota.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected baseball cube. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the blue marker from fading to a brownish-grey.
Interesting Facts
Burgess held the record for most career pinch-hits (145) for many years until it was broken by Manny Mota. He was known for his rotund physique and incredible bat-to-ball skills.